The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Thursday morning, saying it expects between up to 2 inches of snow.
The advisory is set for between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. NWS forecasts rain and snow before noon, followed by a chance of snow between noon and 3 p.m. as temperatures fall to around 30 by 5 p.m.
The snowfall could bring closures, as Fairfax County schools already announced a virtual learning day.
The Capital Weather Gang says the timing of the expected snow could lead to a bad morning commute.
“As a strong cold front pushes south, rain will change to snow, which could be heavy for a time between about 7 and 10 a.m.,” according to the Capital Weather Gang. “It will probably too warm for the snow to stick at first. But, as temperatures fall, slick spots could develop, especially in our colder areas north and west of the Beltway.”
See the full advisory below.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 1 PM EST
THURSDAY…* WHAT…Snow. Snow accumulations of up to two inches with locally
higher amounts around three inches possible.* WHERE…The District of Columbia, portions of central, northern
and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.* WHEN…From 6 AM to 1 PM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions will impact the morning commute.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation will start as rain and then
switch over to snow during the Thursday morning commute.
Instructions: Slow down and use caution while traveling. When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Target Area:
Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria
Fairfax
Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park
Southern Fauquier
Spotsylvania
Stafford
A mild day today ahead of a cold front moving through tonight. Light snow accumulations are possible into Thu morning. Conditions turn colder and more blustery thereafter. Still monitoring the winter storm threat on Fri evening into Sat morning. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/Lj85Ln61r9
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 19, 2022